As Trump tariffs arrive, companies brace themselves for more uncertainty [Video]

WASHINGTON – Business executives have been in a state of limbo over President Donald Trump’s fluctuating plans to impose major tariffs since he took office in January. The announcement on March 4 does not end that uncertainty.

Mr Trump announced he would impose 25 per cent tariffs on the United States’ two largest trade partners, Canada and Mexico, a move that economists expect will add to costs for US companies that will bear the cost of those tariffs.

The prospect of major levies on foreign imports has dominated corporate America’s discussions in 2025.

Since the beginning of 2025, more than 750 of the largest US companies have discussed the topic either at investor events or on earnings conference calls, according to LSEG data.

In recent weeks, some companies raced to get ahead of tariffs with pre-ordering of goods, but executives have until now been taking a wait-and-see approach on investments and expenditures, as Mr Trump has altered his plans for …